Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Plant Evolution & Ecology

CSU Careers • San Luis, CA

12d • $68,004

About The Position

The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is seeking a Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the area of plant evolution and ecology. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work with Dr. Dena Grossenbacher in Biological Sciences. In addition, the Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow will help mentor undergraduate and graduate students and will have the opportunity to teach classes by separate assignment as a part-time lecturer. This position will begin Summer or Fall 2026 according to candidate’s availability. The term of employment is one-year, with a second-year possible based on performance and funding. The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $68,004, with full benefits, plus a travel allowance. This position is supplemented by separate assignment pay as a part-time lecturer for the teaching assignments. Specific responsibilities will include: Contribute to on-going studies in any of the following research areas: flower color evolution in Leptosiphon , alpine species distribution shifts in response to warming in the Sierra Nevada, or serpentine adaptation and phylogenetics in monkeyflowers. Propose and conduct research projects based on the laboratory’s overall interests in plant ecology and evolution. Propose and write manuscripts based on the conducted research. Work with mentors in developing research project goals, including writing manuscripts and grant applications. Participate in professional development activities, including attending national conferences. Directly supervise research staff, including undergraduate and graduate students. Receive mentorship and training in effective teaching practices and teach at least 1 undergraduate course during the fellowship under the mentorship of experienced faculty (paid by additional assignment as a part-time lecturer).

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field.
• Desire to learn new skills and work in teams including students, researchers, and faculty.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical software such as R.
• Experience with writing peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet timelines.
• Ability to lead others in managing tasks; train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.
• Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to interface with all levels of staff, university community, including students, faculty and staff, and the public.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to on-going studies in any of the following research areas: flower color evolution in Leptosiphon , alpine species distribution shifts in response to warming in the Sierra Nevada, or serpentine adaptation and phylogenetics in monkeyflowers.
• Propose and conduct research projects based on the laboratory’s overall interests in plant ecology and evolution.
• Propose and write manuscripts based on the conducted research.
• Work with mentors in developing research project goals, including writing manuscripts and grant applications.
• Participate in professional development activities, including attending national conferences.
• Directly supervise research staff, including undergraduate and graduate students.
• Receive mentorship and training in effective teaching practices and teach at least 1 undergraduate course during the fellowship under the mentorship of experienced faculty (paid by additional assignment as a part-time lecturer).

Benefits

• full benefits
• travel allowance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees